Blatná Chateau, Renaissance water castle in South Bohemia, Czech Republic

Blatná is a water castle standing on an island within a surrounding pond, recognizable by its white and red entrance tower. The buildings combine Gothic and Renaissance architectural features arranged across multiple levels.

Blatná was first mentioned in 1235 as a fortress of Vyšemír, linked to the Bavors of Strakonice, and by 1241 held castle status. In 1403 it passed to the Rožmitál family, who rebuilt it in Gothic style; Zdeněk Lev of Rožmitál had Benedikt Rejt design the Renaissance Rejt Palace in 1508. A fire under the Serényis led to repairs in 1763–1767, and the Hildprandts, owners from 1798, gave it its present Neo-Gothic look in 1850–1856.

The castle and town take their name from the marshes where they were built; the first written mention of the "marshy castle" dates to 1235. Visitors can see the Green Chamber, decorated with wall paintings in early Renaissance style for Zdeněk Lev of Rožmitál. The castle has appeared in films including Šíleně smutná princezna (1968).

The location sits in South Bohemia and can be reached on foot across the dam leading to the island. Visitors should know that access may vary depending on seasonal conditions and weather.

A granite plaque at the courtyard entrance honours Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who tutored Baron Franz Hildprandt's children here from 1810 to 1813. The castle and its surroundings also appear in films, among them the 1968 fairy tale Šíleně smutná princezna.